My New Orleans
04/29/2021
Pura Vida. Pure Life. Pure honeymoon.
It sounds like an elixir drawn from the fountain of youth. And, in a way, it is. Pura Vida is how the denizens of Costa Rica (called Ticos) greet one another. Like Hawaii’s Aloha, Pura Vida means hello, goodbye and best wishes. But more than that, Pura Vida symbolizes the largesse of this tiny, Central American country — a treasure trove of natural wonders, unsullied biodiversity, untarnished beaches and an affable populace. Wedged between the Pacific and the Caribbean, this unique swathe of terrain teems with flora and fauna — legions of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Poison Dart Frog? Ocelots? Tapirs? Howler Monkeys? More than 800 species of birds? That’s just the beginning. Rainforests, jungle canals, coffee plantations nestled on steep volcanoes, natural hot springs and fish-rich coastal waters define the destination. Rustic pueblos and urbane cities contain a well-educated populace responsible for the small democracy’s ambitious awareness of its virtues and deep commitment to conservation. For eco-conscious travelers, Costa Rica is . . . Pura Vida.